Thursday, December 25, 2008

Chewin – OOAK Artist in Thailand

Chewin – OOAK Artist in Thailand- A guy with thousand smiles in the country of thousand smiles -

You may recognize an artist by name and face, and you may admire an artist by the signature artist way. But when it comes to know an artist in person, the ways you admire his/her work would be different.Chewin as an OOAK Artist:Porncheiwn, well-known as Chewin from Thailand in the doll community, is an artist that I have know in person, and I admire his work. You could see his OOAK repaint dolls and outfits on eBay all the time. He is specialized in male repaints and outfits. I know Chewin personally long before he made his name on eBay. I usually address him as Ajan Porn (Teacher Porn).We met at a doll shop at MBK, one of the most popular local shopping arcades for both local and tourists alike in Bangkok, a few years back. I still remember the very first male repaint that I have seen in person were created by Chewin. They are both Matt O’Neil but in different face shape! (Matt face mould has been changing, if you ever noticed) Although I love male dolls, I always think the Matt’s look is very dull and overly conservative. I could not believe how sexy and manly Matt could be transformed to. And the Italian cutting suits that Chewin made fits Matt perfectly! I could not help but ordered two from him on spot!

Ajan Porn (Chewin)

A Guy with Thousand Smiles in the Country of Thousand Smiles:Taking the advantage of my Bangkok trip in this December, I met with Chewin (I actually would meet with him whenever I visit Bangkok) and told him that I wanted to feature him in my blog. As usually, he delightfully said “Yes! Yes!”. In my memory, Chewin never says no to any requests. I guess it is what in his Thai blood (Thai people always says “mai bin lai” all the time meaning “never mind”) and also reflects his self confidence on his own capability.

A man with Thousand Smiles

Chewin has a Chinese looking face, as you could see in the picture. He has very unique curly eyelashes, which is so nicely distributed that makes him look like a doll himself. Whenever I meet with Chewin, he is always very cheerful and sometimes bouncy while we are talking about some new dolly discovery! Thailand travel bureau name Thailand as “A Country of Thousand Smiles”, then, Chewin must be“A guy with thousand smiles” himself.Chewin was borned in Phuket and came to Bangkok to study Fine Arts for his colleague. He has been the Fine Art teacher at University of Rangsit, Bangkok, in the past 20 years. That is why I always address him as Ajan Porn (Teacher Porn) rather than Chewin. Chewin told me that his name (Pornchewit) means “giving life”. I guess it fits him so well that he is giving new life to all his repaint dolls! Chewin repainted two of my dolls this time. They are to die for! Please see the pictures here and you would agree with me!Chewin’s Passion in Life:Chewin has a great passion on painting ever since he was a kid. In his Fine Art Uni student days, his sketch book accompanied him wherever he went. Visiting art museums, reading art reference books at libraries, drawing every single day were all about his Uni life. It is not a surprise to anyone that his favorite drawing is human figure, especial mouth and eyes. His way of arts was mainly inspirited by late Chakrapand Pasayakrit, a renowned National Artist of Fine Arts in Thailand. Chakrapand did not only enlighten Chewin but he was also his mentor and friend!From an Artist’s Perspective:I could not help but wonder as an OOAK artist what kinds of collection he has, and what is/are his favorite amongst all. He has all kinds of doll that you could name of, plus over 100 action figures. Chewin loves to get any new dolls in hand and check them out!

Shaved eyebrowse

His favorite female doll is Daphne (same as mine!!) of Tonner. Chewin commented that she has the most perfect female face feature. The versatileness of repainting her is a joy!

For male doll, he likes Lukas of Fashion Royalty the best. His lips are really sexy that Chewin said he would never get tired of repainting it. However, Matt O’neil of Tonner has the perfect male body for making male couture! (Can’t agree more! I could proof that with what I have from Chewin)

A totally new life being given after repainted

Today, his new passion is more on bigger BJD, like Akando (www.iplehouse.net) – the superman body type of 70cm tall. He has also added in his collection with several 70cm tall BJD Super Gem series by SOOM (www.dollsoom.com)!

Chewin’s Future Plan:Chewin said that he is planning to step down from teaching, and to concentrate on his doll related career. He is disappointed by nowadays students who have very weak foundation of Art, such as drawing. “Blame it on the new technology. Student of today only use computer software to draw, to color. They don’t even know how to mix color or holding brushes!” commented Chewin. He said that teacher students like that is no more excited him.

After all these years, Chewin has completed many projects; some of them were even for the Thai Royal Family. He wanted to have his works collected and compile his own book.

He is so ready to pursuit his passion in life – dolls! His sister and younger brother are responsible for making cloth; his elder sister is making wigs and hair styling. He himself, of course, for all the repaints!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and left me a comment! That means alot to me and keep me going on with this blog!

I am glad that you enjoyed the interview and the pictures! Oh ya, those boys are really hot!

Yes, I enjoyed interviewing Chewin very much! I have known him for several years but there were many things that I did not know about him until I had that interview with him. Isn't it so much fun to know an artist in person rather than just only his work? You would appreciate his work more and from a whole new perspective!

We are both members on various Yahoo groups (Minimeenies for one). I saw your photos of your newly acquired ChicLine dolls. Would you please PM me (from the MiniMeenies) group when you have a chance? I have questions for you....LOL Thanks AtelierGiGi!

Subscribe To Cliff's Blog

Followers

About Me

I am a big fashion dolls collector in Hong Kong. Collecting is a wonderful and exciting journey. Like any collections, it is time and money consuming. BUT along the way, you could have many exciting new discoveries and joy! Whether a fashion doll is a piece of plastic, vinyl, resin or porcelain, it all depends on how much you want to appreciate it, every bit of it! To me, the more I understand fashion dolls, the more I found it that they are all art! Come and enjoy the discovery with me in this blog!!
P.S.: I am in no way associated with any doll manufacturers, dealers, designers, artists etc.

Cliff's Feedback

Copyrights notice:

This blog is for joy and sharing with like-minded collectors. However, I reserved all copyrights on all the materials and contents (unless otherwise noted). Should you want to use any of them for other purposes, users are required to write in for permission. If agreeable, credit to me is required. For those materials that I captured from other public sites, I would definitely give credit in the blog. However, should the owners feel offense about it, please feel free to contact me for taking it down. You are welcome to link me in your website or blog. Enjoy!